Australia's Leading Ophthalmic Magazine Since 1975

Australia's Leading Ophthalmic Magazine Since 1975

International Opticians Association joins SILMO Sydney

24/10/2018 • By Myles Hume

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SILMO Sydney will team up with the International Opticians’ Association (IOA) to host its boutique optometry and optics show next year. The new partnership will deliver several education sessions that provide a global perspective to the Australian market.

Event organiser Mr Gary Fitz-Roy said the focus for next year’s SILMO would be to deliver a smoothly-run event that delivers something “new and exciting”, and that the partnership with the IOA was about advancing the entire Australian optical sector.

“For a country with a small population, the fragmentation between the representative bodies undermines the industry,” Fitz-Roy said.

“We offer an international perspective and can marry education with local priorities in line with our aim of enhancing and developing the optical profession worldwide.”

Elaine Grisdale, director of development, IOA

“The common goal should be to ensure the overall success of the optometric industry through events that bring together education, buying and networking.”

The IOA recently presented the inaugural SILMO IOA International Optician of the Year award at the Paris show, and according to Fitz-Roy, the new partnership will reinforce the emphasis on SILMO Sydney as a “buyer-led” event.

IOA director of development Elaine Grisdale said: “We offer an international perspective and can marry education with local priorities in line with our aim of enhancing and developing the optical profession worldwide. Next year we will tailor a program to meet Australia’s needs and are excited to be proactively involved.”

SILMO Sydney 2019 will also present the first ‘Dry Eye Symposium’, tackling one of the largest issues emerging in the profession. In another first, SILMO Sydney will host the Rising Star Frame Design Competition, which will be judged on three criteria – shape, materials and practicality.

“We don’t want to just roll out the same old conference and seminars format, we need to go where the consumer is and tailor a B2B program that meets their needs,” Fitz-Roy said.

He said a recent survey of Australian retail optometry buyers will be used to further develop the show. Fitz-Roy explained: “Fifty seven retailers have offered their time to be involved with SIMO Sydney on a steering committee proactively working to deliver a enhanced event to meet buyers needs. This advisory panel underpins the buyer-led positioning where retail buyers will work directly with the show organisers in content development.”

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SILMO Sydney will be held at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour from July 5–7.